Missouri ministry wins Hope Awards grand prize

Name: WORLD
Price range: $

WORLD readers know it’s hard work to help those who have spiraled into drugs, homelessness, and despair. That’s why many of them voted this summer for Watered Gardens in Joplin, Mo., as the 2019 grand prize winner of the Hope Awards for Effective Compassion. The ministry teaches residents to work for their room and board and eventually helps them transition to financial independence combined with dependence on God.

What does the name “Watered Gardens” mean? It comes from Isaiah 58:10–11: “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted … you shall be like a watered garden.”

What does the ministry win? WORLD is giving $10,000 to Watered Gardens and $2,000 each to four regional winners, but the biggest prize is publicity and increased credibility.

Dig deeper: Read Charissa Koh’s WORLD Magazine profile of the big winner and contact her to nominate a local Christian charity for next year’s contest.

Marvin Olasky

Marvin is the former editor in chief of WORLD, having retired in January 2022, and former dean of World Journalism Institute. He joined WORLD in 1992 and has been a university professor and provost. He has written more than 20 books, including Reforming Journalism.

@MarvinOlasky